Navigating The Amazing Trip Of Life With Our Amazing Triplets ... And Their Amazing Little Brother

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

in honor of my four year bloggingversary (or whatever they call it)

This week marks my four year anniversary of blogging. And on this occasion, I'm curious to know if there are any other bloggers out there who wonder what the heck am I doing on this time suck called a computer?

Before I returned to work full time, whenever I'd sit down to update my blog, the thoughts and words would flow out of my fingertips like a receding tide in the Bay of Fundy. Writing was a cathartic outlet. But it's just not the same way, anymore. Perhaps it's that the amount I spend working full time has zapped my creativity. There's no doubt, our children are just as adorable - and at an all time high of hilarity - but I just can't seem to adequately capture them in words, anymore. These days, I struggle to figure out what I want to write about and then, I wonder if what I'm writing will be important to anyone.

The thought has crossed my mind to only update this blog once or twice a week - or maybe once or twice a month - but I feel like if I don't update everyday, I'll disappoint people.

Who exactly, I have no idea.

All those imaginary friends that live inside my computer?

More frequently, it seems that I'm sitting in my little chair in front of the computer and scratching my head thinking, "What do I have the brain capacity to write about? Will I be able to string together more than two words in a coherent sentence? What really needs to be written? What is the PURPOSE of writing anything? Is what I'm about to write going to do anything to improve someone's life or the state of our world? Do I sit and try to write something thought provoking, or do I go lay in bed and see if I can catch an old Molly Ringwald movie on TBS?"

Recently, I wondered if all of these thoughts that I've spent so much time capturing will still be available when my children are at an age to appreciate them? And if not, WHAT IS THE POINT in recording any thoughts at all?

In all honesty, I envision this blog being so much more than it is, but I just can't summon the time or talent to get it there. And day light savings time CERTAINLY hasn't helped. Nor has my goal to be in bed before 11:00 PM every night. Take now for instance. It's already 10:50 at night?! Didn't I just tuck the children in to bed two hours ago?

Answer: Yes, I did.

(For those that don't know, DLS stands for Devil Laughing Silently.)

So I'm thinking of giving things up. At least a little bit.

Of course whether or not I cut back on my blogging remains to be seen. For the past several years, updating this website has been a habit. It's been something that I've done everyday, like brushing my teeth. Still, I can't help but wonder if I post less often, will the things I write about be that much better? Or will I lose my momentum to write entirely and instead become a Molly Ringwald trivia expert?

Perhaps I should stop writing and just post pictures with a caption or two?

31 comments:

Please don't stop your daily blogs, PLEASE! I know you don't know me, but I got addicted to your blog. You made me laugh almost every night during this last year that I have been reading your blog. And it was a difficult year at times, so many thanks to you!

Jen, I really hope you keep blogging -- there are so many people out there who love the stuff you write. I totally get it if you feel like you need to write something profound or earth shattering or else it's not worth the time, but you have a way of making everyday life so touching and funny which is profound in its own sweet way; worthy too. It's why (I'd wager) so many people keep coming back. Not to mention all the FANTASTIC things you do, both financially and otherwise, for cancer research. You're not just writing into the abyss -- your invisible (but not imaginary) friends are reading you loud and clear :)

I read your blog almost everyday. I enjoy reading about your family and I like reading about you. I can't tell you how many times I have gone to REPLY to one of your posts, to let you know I can relate, or I appreciate your perspective, only to realize under the weight of a long day with the kids, I have become brain dead. I want to be witty and helpful in my responses, instead I sit at the computer nodding my head in agreement, or wiping a tear from my face after reading a particularly powerful post. I come here because I connect with your words, your struggles, and your humanity.

I think if a break is needed...take it. I think you'll be surprised at how many of us are waiting patiently for you to return.

Peace~K

PS I think your kids are SO SO lucky to have this blog to reflect on when they are older. You cannot read these words without feeling the immense amount of love you have for each of these children.

I love your blog and in fact, I read it every day. That being said, I don't know how you manage to work full time, have four kids and update it every day, so if it is stressful, by all means, cut back a little! All your readers will still be here whether you post once a day or a couple of times a week!

I think you are an "amazing" writer. Have you ever considered writing a book? I personally don't know anyone who blogs as frequently and has such large entries so often as you do. Stop beating yourself up. We will still read if you only have time for a line or two!

I've often wondered how you manage to find time to keep up your blogging. You are truly a gifted writer. Your words always convey a picturesque image for the reader and your candid honesty provokes raw emotion. I think this outlet is a valuable element of the fabric of your life and it will be difficult to halt all that creativity. That said, it should be an activity you enjoy and not feel like a chore. If you are feeling pressured when you sit at the keyboard, then perhaps you do need a little respite. Take a day off, maybe two...somehow I don't think you'll survive much longer than that!!

I look forward to reading your blog every day! I would be sad if you gave it up entirely. I get a lot of good advice from your blog - I have three kids close in age to yours, so I can relate to everything you are going through. I also work full time, have a house that's too small, etc. Just wanted to let you know that you are appreciated!

Despite my fear of being labeled a crazy stalker, I'd like you to know how much I enjoy reading your blog as often as you update it! Being a new Mom I love reading your tips for keeping kids in line (or at the table) or laughing along with the antics you all seem to get in to.

In honor of your "bloggingversary" my favorite post from the past year or so that I've been reading came just this past December and was entitled "Holy Batman." Hands down funniest kid story I've heard. Recording these things is great!

I might truly be entering stalker territory here, but in all honesty I have to add something else. The other day when I was reading through my local grocery store sales flier I saw that Dreyers ice cream was 4 for $10 and I thought of you. I don't actually know you, but I do know how much you love ice cream.

Jenn, as a Momma that struggles to update her THREE blogs, with only two children...if you cut back, I wouldn't blame you a bit. I've drastically had to cut back since our Chubba-Chubba came along. I miss it. But I know this season is about the kids and I'm okay with it. I'll pick up my writing again someday.

You would be terribly missed if you cut back though. I'd be one of those mysterious people inside your computer. I check your site everyday for a word of encouragement or laugh. It's one of my must-see blogs. :-) Hope that doesn't sound too stalker-ish, but I enjoy your thoughts a lot...makes my motherhood experience feel fuller knowing there are other working moms struggling like I do.

Whatever you do, please do not stop blogging!!! I look forward to your posts every day!! And not just for the pictures (which is rare, since more blogs I read I just love looking at the pictures) but I actually love what you write about. You have such a great insight on things and I would hate to not have something to read from you every day (does that sound selfish? probably =] ) But really. Please!

No no no. Please don't stop blogging. Pretty please with a cherry on top?

I read your blog every day and when you don't update, I check back often. Not because I'm insane, but because I get inspiration from you.

If you can raise your 4 children as well as you are, then I should be able to do it with ONE. One little 6 year old drama queen.

But that is not the point of this comment. My point is that you HELP people. At the very least you help me. Because of your posts on the 3-day walk, I've rounded up a few girlfriends and we will be dressing ourselves and our children in pink and cheering for the Walkers as they come through my city. I wouldn't have done that if not for you.

You are witty, smart and full of great ideas. Please don't stop. Thank you, Jess

Hi. I am one of your friends that lives inside your computer. I've never met you but I stumbled upon your blog randomly and I absolutely love it. No exaggeration - it is my favorite. So yes, I will notice and be sad if you stop writing, or write less, but that being said, you should only keep writing if it gives something to you. So the question is - what do you get out of it?

After 4 years, it may be time to reward yourself. Have you you checked out blurb.com? You just download their "Booksmart" and then click - it slurps your blog up and you can print it out in a beautiful book. (Unfortunately they don't have a good blog template so it tends to make your photos small which you have to manually adjust). Anyway, just a thought, perhaps having it in printed form in a nice book and reading through it that way will remind you why you started in the first place.

You, of course, will have to decide what is best for you as far as blogging goes, but this grandmother of 2 little ones loves reading your entries. And they are indeed meaningful. I find ideas and food for thought about/for my little ones whom I keep, and I am always amazed at all you and your family are able to accomplish!

Congratulations on 4 years of reading enjoyment for me. Some days, I wonder how you can write so much---but then again I know you pretty well and you are not one to leave a conversation easily.I for one, love reading the blog and I feel so much closer to you and your family by the blog. Do not force writing--just let it come naturally--you are very good at it. Did I tell you I won the Bocci Championship? How many times did I tell you that? My Medal is in the window for all to see.Love,MOM

Im not often commenting here, but I read your blog all the time. I love bonding( via internet) with other moms facing challenges as I do as a working mother- trying juggle, make good choices about daycare, schools, community -- you know... Anyway I struggle with this too- why blog? Ive come to realize that for no other purpose its to chronicle my kids. I have printed out my blog on several occassions and it serves as a "scrapbook" of sorts. Its amazing how fun that is- and to have a tangible record of the kids events, photos, life happenings etc. Anyway keep it up. I love reading!

It's so interesting to me that you feel this way because I just gave up my blog a few months ago for the same reasons you mentioned after 4 yrs of everyday writing. My twins just turned five, and now I regret that I gave it up. I have so much to say! DONT DO IT! :) I LOVE reading your blog. Its just a phase and "this too shall pass."

BTW, I am the one whonwrote to you forever ago about moving to California or Boston. We are choosing Boston, specifically Concord, Lexington or Wayland, but we cant find a house that we like. BUT, we are moving there! :)

If you feel like you "need" to update nearly every day it might be helpful to create some daily themes. For instance, like your "Favorite Thing Friday" you can do a "Wordless Wednesday" where you only post photos of whatever you want.

I would definitely be sad if you stopped blogging on a regular basis. Heck, I'm disappointed if you miss 1 day! Your blog is my first stop in a long line of blogs and forums that I visit everyday. You are a gifted writer. I look forward to listening to the life stories, anecdotes, and words of wisdom of a like minded individual.

I beg you Jen, don't stop blogging all together!!! I love your writing and admire your amazingness to keep your wit and positive outlook no matter what craziness you're facing!!! It has given me inspiration and picked me up on bad days!!! Thank you! :)

Well, if you cut back, I would just check periodically, i.e. I would adjust. I love the Friday Favorites, so do keep that, please. Since your photography is just as great as your writing, just a picture update would be fine, too. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words.

BTW, I have been reading your blog for overthree years, following you over from the Resolve message boards (MAJOR lurker, and I apologize for that!!). I was able to have a singleton of my own (now 4 1/2). You inspire me to be a better parent and I have learned from you that, despite all of our book reading, we are really just learning as we go b/c our children are so individual.

I will take any dose of Amazing Trips (and Henry), daily or less frequently!!

My Current Favorite Quote...

I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.

~William Penn

Another Favorite Quote

"Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." A.A. Milne (from "Winnie the Pooh")